Scope’s engineers can perform FISP Inspections, formerly Local Law 11/98, on any type of building throughout New York City. FISP Inspections are required, by law, every 5 years for buildings greater than 6 stories in height. FISP Inspections are comprised of visual inspections of all exterior walls and appurtenances, close-up physical examinations and railing/guard assessments. Once these inspections are performed, the findings are reviewed with the Owner/Management and if conditions are observed an exterior repair campaign can be implemented.

All structures should be properly maintained so minor defects don’t turn into expensive repairs. The first step in maintaining a property is to have it periodically inspected by a Professional. Buildings of all heights are required to be inspected and maintained, not only those that fall into the FISP universe. The fact that buildings lower than 6 stories in height do not need to file an inspection report every 5 years potentially leaves them open to high repair costs of unreported conditions. Periodically inspecting a building every few years can protect the owner’s investment as well as increase the value of the property.

Scope can provide Professional Engineering Services for exterior repair campaigns including initial visual inspections, preparation of plans and specifications, DOB and LPC filings, and most importantly construction monitoring and administration. The construction monitoring phase in any exterior repair work project is imperative in order to provide the necessary quality control and compliance with the project documents. Scope can also provide the progress and special inspections that are typically required for exterior repair projects.

Compliance and communication with the New York City Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) are integral in repair projects of buildings that are designated as Landmarks. A Preservationist at the LPC is assigned to a specific building that is undergoing a repair project and is responsible for approving materials and colors for the repair campaign. Constant communication with the Preservationist is crucial throughout the project so proper signoffs can be obtained at the completion of the project.

The roof of a building is perhaps the most exposed component of the building envelope. The roofing membrane is the first line of defense against extreme heat, bitter cold, heavy rainfall and snow. Combine the weather factors with the heavy traffic of building and maintenance personnel and installation of HVAC equipment, satellite towers, water tanks and vent pipes, and the roof may not last to the 20 year “No Dollar Limit” warranty. Scope can inspect the condition of the roofing membranes, pitch pockets, penetrations and dunnage so an assessment can be made on the future life span of the roof.

The Northeast region experiences a wide variety of weather conditions, ranging from intense heat to driving rain from hurricanes to heavy snowfall accumulation that can last weeks. These extreme temperature changes and constant precipitation can lead to deteriorated window sealants, coping cover seam failure, and mortar joint deterioration, amongst other issues. All these issues can result in water penetration into the interior of the building. Scope can inspect, assess, and design appropriate repairs to the exterior facades to put a stop to the infiltration of water to interior spaces.

Parking structures in NYC are constantly utilized under heavy loads which makes them susceptible to increased stress and strain that is different from the way a building undergoes deterioration. This makes the inspection of a parking garage and all of its components extremely important in the maintenance and longevity of the structure. It is so important that New York State has even implemented an inspection program for parking structures outside of New York City. The Engineers at Scope are Licensed in New York State and can perform these necessary inspections statewide.